Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1887-01-29
stance of the signature she had totally for.

Garments confusion and bushes, and believe
himself ON ass to have thought them a con-
fession Of original affection. The feminine
reader will, by this time, become satisfied
that tho dcceitful minx's sole idea was to gain
tho affections Of Thatcher. And really I
don't know who is right.
Nevertheless, shc painted a sketch for
Thatcher-which now adorns the companys
Office in San Francisco, in which tho property
is laid out in pleasing geomctrical lines, and
tho rosy promise Of the future instinct in
every touch of tho brush. Then, having
earned her "wasc," as she believed, she be-
came somewhat cold and shy to Thatcher.
Uhereat that gentleman rcdoubled his atten-
lions, seeing only in her presence q certain
meprisc, which concerned her moro than him.
self. Tho niece If his cncmy meant nothing
more to him than an interesting girl-to 10
protected always-to be feared, never. But
even suspicion may be insidiously placed In
noble minds.
Mistress Plodgitt, thus early estopped Of
matchmaking, Of course put tho blame on hcr
" sex, and went over to the stronger side
the mans.
"lt's u great pity gals should be so curious"
she said, soto vocc, to Thatcher, when Car
laen was in one Of her sullcn moods. "Yet I
s'poso it's in her blood. Them Spaniards is
always rcvcngeful-like the Eyetalians."
Thatcher honestly looked his surprise.
"Why, don't you see, she's thinking how eli
these lands might have been her unele's but
Tor you. And instead Of trying to be sweet
and" hero sho stopped to cough.
"Good Coil" said Thatcher, In great con-
tern, II never thought Of that" He stopped
for q moment, and then added with decision:
II can't Lciicvo it; it isn't like her,"
Mrs. r. was piqucd. She walked away, de-
l,vcring. however, this Parthian arrow:
"Wcll, I honp t"tnt Mailing Worsr."
Thatcher chucklcd, then felt uneasy. When
10 noxt met Carmen sho found his gray eyes
lxcd on hers with a curious, half.inquisi.
torial look sue had mover noticed before. This
only added fuel to tho fire. Forgetting their
relations of host and guest. she was abso-
lutely rude Thatcher was quiet but watch
full; got the plolsitt to bcd carly, and, under
cover Of showing q moonlight view Of the
"Lost Chance Mill, }" decoyel Carmen out of
earshot, as far US tho dismuntled furnace.
"Uhat is tho matter, Miss Do uaro; have I
offended youl"
Miss Carmen was not aware that anything
was tho matter. II Don Royal preferred old
friends, whose loyalty Of course hc know, and
'.ho ssrrc nLovs speaking III. uyuins. a
gentleman IN his adrersiky-oh, Garment
floD II no preferred their company to later
j,irn's-why-tho masculine reader will ob-
s,rve this tremendous climax aud tiymble)-
why she didn't know why he should blanc
her.
They turned and faced each othor. The
conditions for q perfect misunderstanding
could not have boen better arranged between
two pcorle. Thatcher was a masculine rca-
soner, Carmen q feminine fcclcr-if l may lie
parsloncl tho expression. Thatcher wanted
to got at certain facts and arguo thcrcfrom.
Carmen wanted TO get at certain feelings and
then lit tho facts to them.
"But I nm MT blaming you, Miss Carmen"
no said gravcly. ut vns stupid In me to con-
front you hero with tie property claimcd by
your uncle and occupied by me, but it was q
mistake-no" he added hastily, lit was not
a mistake. You know It and / didn't. You
overlooked 1t before you came, and I was too
glad to overlook It otter you werc here"
"Ot course" said Carmen pettislly, II am
tho only one to be blamed. It's like you men!
(E1e,n. Slo was just fifteen, and uttered this
awful resume Of experience just as ii it hadn't
been taught to her In her cradle.)
Feminine Gcnernlities always stagger a
a Thatcher said nothing. Carmen be-
camo moro enraged.
"Why did you want to take Uncle victor's
property, them" she asked triumpbautly.
II don t know that it IL your uncle's prop.
erty."
"You-dont-know' Have you seen the
application with Governor Micheltorena's
indorsemrnti Have you beard the wit
nessosa" she sail passionately.
signatures inay be forged and witnesses
lie" said Thatcher quietly.
"lVhat is it you call 'forgedr"
Thatcher instantly recalled the fact that
the Spanish language held no synonym for
forgery" Tho oct was apparently OH lnven.
ton OF el Diablo Americana. So he suid,
with q slight smile i'll his kindly eyc:
Anybody wicked enough ami dexternns
enough can initiate another's handwriting.
When this is used to benefit fraud we Gull it
forgery lbcg your pardon-Mis d. nuro,
Miss Carmen-what is the matters"
She had suddenly lapsed against a tree,
quite helpless, nerveless, and with staring
eyes fixed on his As yet IN embryo woman,
inexperienced and ignorant. the scx's instinct
was potential; she had in one plunge Faith
omed all that his reason had been years grop.
ing for.
Thatcher saw only that she vas panied, that
shc was helpless; that was enough. ut il
possible that your uncle may have bern de-
ceivcd," ho began: "many honest men have
been fooled by clover but deceitful tricksters,
mcl and women.
"Stop! Madrc do Diosl Will you stop!n
Thatcher for an instant recoiled from the
flashing eyes md white face of tile little
figure that had, with mcnacing and clcnchcd
baby fingers, strobe to his sido. lie stopped.
"rvhcre is this opplication--this forgcrys' Sue
asked. "Show it to mel"
Thatcher felt relieved, and smiled the su.
pcrior smile Of our scS over feminine isnor-
ancc. "You could hardly expect me to 10
trusted with your uncle's vouchers. His pa
pcrs of course ore in the hands Of his
counsel"
"And when can I leave this placer she
asked passionately.
fro BE Continued